Sylvia Rose

Lacto-Fermented Chilli Lemon Carrot Sticks

February 21, 2020 by Sylvia Rose Leave a Comment

Tangy lacto-fermented chilli lemon carrot sticks make a tasty probiotic-rich snack and have just enough kick. Learn how to make this easy small-batch ferment and prepare yourself to get addicted!

making lacto-fermented chilli lemon carrot sticks

FERMENTED CARROTS: THE PERFECT SNACK

Not to knock regular carrot sticks, but lacto-fermented chilli lemon carrot sticks are a whole other ball game.

Do you know how carrots are brimming with vitamins? Well, fermenting them not only gives carrots a vitamin booster but also enriches them with probiotics.

Probiotics are key for a healthy gut and help to strengthen the immune system. Also, did I mention that they’re more delicious?

Lacto-fermented chilli lemon carrot sticks are still raw, which is why there are so many amazing benefits. Depending on how long you ferment them, the carrot sticks retain their crunch factor but are easier to chew.

My toddler has a hard time eating regular carrot sticks, but he has no problem when they’re fermented. In fact, he likes them more! And why wouldn’t he? They’re tangy and flavourful.

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Old-Fashioned Skills We Should Reclaim

February 18, 2020 by Sylvia Rose 14 Comments

Here are 15 old-fashioned skills worth keeping alive to start saving money and become more self-sufficient. How many are you proficient at?

harvesting herbs practicing old-fashioned skills

OLD-FASHIONED SKILLS FOR ENRICHING YOUR LIFE

I don’t know about you, but I’m a strong advocate for simple living.

While there’s nothing simple about simple living, it does come with a reward.

Simple, old-fashioned living is about self-sufficiency, gratitude, and connection.

Here are 15 old-fashioned skills we should learn to live more simply and abundantly.

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How do I Quarter a Chicken?

February 14, 2020 by Sylvia Rose Leave a Comment

Buying and quartering a whole chicken is a lot more economical than picking up a couple of chicken breasts. When you make the switch from purchasing pieces to a whole bird, the question needs to be asked: How do I quarter a chicken?

kefir brined chicken on carrots and onions

READY, SET, QUARTER

So you went to the grocery store and bought a whole chicken, now what?

First off, look at you, you savvy shopper! Buying a whole chicken is a much more economical option in the long run because you can get three or four meals out of it and you won’t need to buy chicken broth if you make your own.

There are so many options when you bring home a whole chicken.

One route to go is throwing it in a roaster with some veggies, herbs, and salt and pepper, like my paprika roast chicken recipe.

Another is to quarter up the bird for more meal variety and more flavourful stock. Let’s take a look at what we will need to get started.

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Victory Garden Revivalism

February 11, 2020 by Sylvia Rose 9 Comments

As food prices continue to soar and industrial farming practices continue to impoverish the soil and its produce, more and more folks are going back in time. The 1940’s victory garden is making a comeback, only this time, we’re facing a different war: the war on our health and food supply.

If you’re unfamiliar with what a victory garden is, we’re going to rewind to the 1940s.

The world was at war and every household had to deal with strict rationing.

While I’m sure many grumbled about this, many were eager to do their part to contribute to the war effort, doing everything they could to help on the homefront.

To supplement rations, and to also help reduce the cost of the produce that had to be purchased to feed the troops, the victory garden was born.

“Digging for victory” was the name of the game, and governments encouraged citizens to participate. There were educational handbooks, pamphlets and videos sharing tips on what to plant and how to grow and preserve food.

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Classic Cauliflower Gratin (Cauliflower Cheese)

February 7, 2020 by Sylvia Rose 1 Comment

This classic cauliflower gratin (also known as cauliflower cheese) is the perfect devise to sneak veggies to picky eaters! Coated in a creamy white sauce and smothered in cheese, this cauliflower bake is a smash hit as a side!

A TRADITIONAL SIDE DISH

Prior to writing this post, I had always thought cauliflower gratin was a classic French dish. I mean, gratin, right? It turns out I was wrong!

Traditionally, this classic cauliflower gratin goes by another name: cauliflower cheese. And you know what? It’s an English dish!

Can you blame me for thinking it was French though? I mean, look at their classic ham and cheese melt: it’s blanketed in béchamel and covered in cheese.

Whatever the case may be, this is a traditional side dish and a popular one around the table, too!

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Hosting a Soup Swap Party for Winter Warmth

February 4, 2020 by Sylvia Rose Leave a Comment

On a chilly day, a soup swap party is a wonderful place to be. When the days are short and it feels like winter will never end, organizing a soup swap party is just the thing to invite warmth and cheer into your home.

getting jars ready for a soup swap party

GATHERING OVER SOUP

If you’ve never been to a soup swap party before, don’t worry; it’s exactly what it sounds like.

It’s a unique opportunity to gather your fellow soup fan friends and neighbours, uniting everyone over a shared love of soup.

Since soup isn’t generally served at this kind of party, even non-soup fans can be included in the festivities as long as they adhere to the number one rule…

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